Who Do You Trust In?

Who do you Trust?

Acts 27:12-44

Introduction

We are called to have a common purpose in what we do

-- The purpose is to worship, to love, and to celebrate Christ and share Him always

-- That is our challenge, mission, and it is STILL where we find ourselves today

LAST TIME:

Our testimony is meant to be shared … EVEN WHEN we are afraid to do so

-- What has God done? Not what have you done – all you’ve done is sinned

-- Focusing only on God is what is most important!!

Today, Festus determined that Paul should travel to Rome; so he was sent there

-- What we must see up front is a primary message for all believers

God directs the path of your life just as He did Paul’s; His interests are best!

-- Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.”

Suffering is NOT a new thing; neither is persecution; living for Him is commanded

-- John 15:18, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”

Got it? Let’s dive into today’s text and follow Paul’s journey to Rome

Point 1 – The storms will rage (12-20)

Read Acts 27:12-20

What we see here is that Paul is on a journey, but the outcome is totally unknown

-- Today, most of us are on similar journeys and like Paul, we don’t know results

-- For some this causes great fear (few weeks ago); but why do we fear?

APP: We fear the things we cannot control because we enjoy control

-- Most important: WE MAKE lousy gods! We have no control; can’t satisfy

-- Our desires and needs and things we think fulfill won’t/can’t bring joy to us

-- Sure there is temporary joy, but there is nothing that is eternal about it

The same thing is happening here with Paul

-- Set sail without GPS; crude maps; no forecasts; and weather apps; just faith

-- Faith in what they cannot control nor can they see the outcome of

The journey we are on is much of the same and safety is NOT assured till glory

-- In the darkness (like on the open seas) there is hopelessness and uncertainty

-- There is a desire to make things better (v17, 18, 19 each shows men controlling)

-- APP: The only trust they should have had was in Who controlled the storm!

Matthew Henry, “Any man will rather make shipwreck of his goods than of his life; but many rather make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, than of their goods. The means the sailors used did not succeed; but when sinners give up all hope of saving themselves, they are prepared to understand God's word, and to trust in his mercy through Jesus Christ.”

APP: Men always look for ways to change the outcome, but only God knows it!

Point 2 – God’s in Control (21-29)

Read Acts 27:21-29

Wisdom comes from following and trusting in God alone

-- Paul knew this, and so he is able to speak boldly, calmly, and with authority

V21 is the promise, and why? He knew that God called him to Rome!

-- He knew that God was faithful, that he was to go to Rome, and so he’s going

-- APP: Even through the horrible storm, God is still in control!

What’s most telling here is the hope Paul displays, even in the darkest times

-- Lost at sea, tossed about (seasick, exhausted, and hungry) he still believes

-- Challenge: Where are you? Do you still believe that God is working things out?

-- If not, let me encourage … LOOK AROUND! Phil 1:6 still stands true!

Go to Psalm 30; Read verses 1-12

-- Focus on v5: troubling times only last a short while

-- Focus on v6: in the darkness I know that you are still in control

-- Focus on v11: joy comes because God is STILL on His throne

-- Focus on v12: no matter what, the summation is that I WILL PRAISE Him!

APP: This is how Paul lives; because He knows the One who controls it all

Insert: “But Bro TJ, you just don’t know what I am dealing with …”

Point 3 – We need encouragement (30-38)

Read Acts 27:30-38

God, who destined that they go – is STILL in control of getting them there!

-- His words are not futile and so Paul stands strong on God’s promise!

-- v24 above … God’s promise is clear so why do we doubt Him? Control!

These men though are NOT believers, and they are ready to seek shelter

-- Even willing to destroy others so that they can be saved (lifeboat)

-- Paul’s charge to them is to let go, stop trying to control everything!!